: in a light manner: such as
a
: with little weight or force : gently
b
: with indifference or carelessness : unconcernedly
the problem should not be passed over lightly—
Shelly Halpern
Shelly Halpern
c
: with little difficulty : easily
d
: gaily, cheerfully
f
: in a small degree or amount
lightly salted food
Synonyms
Examples of lightly in a Sentence
He talks lightly about the problems he's been having at work.
She moved lightly across the room.
These vegetables can be eaten either raw or lightly cooked.
Our troops were armed too lightly to take on the heavily armed invaders.
Considering the harm he did, he's gotten off lightly with only a warning.
The judge let her off lightly with a short sentence.
Recent Examples on the Web
This conversation has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
—Laura Bratton, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024
Though Iran has raised a bevy of allies and proxies, most are lightly armed compared to Israel, a regional military power, and the U.S., the global superpower.
—Gregory Brew, TIME, 18 Apr. 2024
They’ve been lightly edited — and reanimated — for clarity and your enjoyment.
—Tara Booth, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2024
Slice or quarter and then lightly toss Brussels sprouts in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), avocado oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 17 Apr. 2024
The conversation has been edited lightly for length.
—Richard Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024
Surveillance video shows that the guard employed by Fresno County Private Security lightly kicked a sleeping Gutierrez’s feet and shined a flashlight in his eyes.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2024
YouTube This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
—Karen Zamora, NPR, 9 Apr. 2024
Cook, undisturbed, until bottom is lightly golden and top is still a little moist, about 1 minute.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2024
Laura Bratton, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024
Though Iran has raised a bevy of allies and proxies, most are lightly armed compared to Israel, a regional military power, and the U.S., the global superpower.
—Gregory Brew, TIME, 18 Apr. 2024
They’ve been lightly edited — and reanimated — for clarity and your enjoyment.
—Tara Booth, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2024
Slice or quarter and then lightly toss Brussels sprouts in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), avocado oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 17 Apr. 2024
The conversation has been edited lightly for length.
—Richard Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024
Surveillance video shows that the guard employed by Fresno County Private Security lightly kicked a sleeping Gutierrez’s feet and shined a flashlight in his eyes.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2024
YouTube This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
—Karen Zamora, NPR, 9 Apr. 2024
Cook, undisturbed, until bottom is lightly golden and top is still a little moist, about 1 minute.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lightly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lightly
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightly. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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